Beauty Clinic: Can I use a facial oil in summer?
Q. I’m worried about using my facial oil when it’s hot as I think it will make my face shiny and oily. Is this true?
A. There’s a lot of misconceptions about facial oil mainly because of the ‘O’ word. In fact, using the right amount of a nourishing, non-comedogenic facial oil ‘can replenish moisture, balance sebum production and protect the barrier function’, according to facialist and make up artist Alice Moore who recently founded Kyūshi, a range of natural face oils. Kyūshi The Power of Ten Face Oil is suitable for all skin types/£21 for 10ml. (Read why we love Kyūshi oils here.)
As Alice adds, dry dehydrated skin doesn't just affect us in the winter, due to cold, wind and central heating. Sun exposure, air con and increased perspiration can also suck the moisture from our skin so it’s just as important to restore hydration over summer months. Also, don’t forget that, as the years go by, our natural oil production decreases significantly.
In Jane Scrivner’s opinion as a leading skincare expert, oils should be the foundation of every skincare regime. ‘They provide the skin with the nutrients it needs to remain strong, healthy, hydrated and protected all year round, including the warmer months’. Jane Scrivner Intense Oil/£25 for 30ml, is formulated to repair and restore dry and/or mature skin, and to help sun damage and pigmentation.
Where you can go wrong is by overdoing the oil. You only need a very few drops – two to four is the usual recommendation for your face and neck. Warm the oil in your palm and pat into your skin or add the same amount to your day or night moisturiser. We’re huge fans of facial (and body) oils.
A word about oil for skin that’s prone to spots and blemishes. For years the received wisdom was to dry it out to clear it up. But this can have the opposite effect by triggering the sebaceous (oil) glands to go into overdrive to compensate. The right face oil can help soothe and soften irritated skin and clear blemishes by balancing sebum production, as Alice Moore said above. For acne-prone skin, look for light oils like jojoba, squalane and tea tree. Beauty editors love Sunday Riley U.F.O Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil/£34 for 15ml. For oily skin, we suggest Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Day Oil/£21 for 18ml (or generous 5ml trial size for £5).
